Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode: Medieval Sex Myths
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Professor Ruth Karas
Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled Medieval Sex Myths, host Kate Lister delves deep into the often-misunderstood realm of medieval sexuality with the esteemed historian, Professor Ruth Karas. Together, they explore the intricate tapestry of sexual norms, societal expectations, and the pervasive myths that shaped medieval Europe's understanding of sex and gender.

Medieval Attitudes Towards Sex and Marriage

Professor Karas begins by outlining the overarching medieval perspective on sexuality, emphasizing the dichotomy between sanctioned and condemned sexual activities. A consistent theme across the medieval period, approximately spanning from 500 to 1500 AD, was the belief that "all sex outside of marriage is bad" ([11:29]). This view was heavily influenced by monastic ideals, where monks and nuns took vows of chastity, renouncing all forms of sexual activity in pursuit of spiritual salvation.

However, within the sanctified bounds of marriage, sex was not only permitted but also encouraged—"sex is good when it's for reproduction" ([16:36]). The mid to late Middle Ages witnessed significant shifts, such as the formalization of marriage as a sacrament in the 12th and 13th centuries. This period also saw the emergence of heretical movements like the Cathars, who advocated for complete renunciation of the flesh, challenging the Church's evolving stance on marital sex for procreation.

Views on Female Sexuality

A critical aspect of medieval sexual norms revolved around perceptions of female desire. Professor Karas explains that women were often depicted as "weak, inferior, and more sinful" than men, a portrayal deeply rooted in biblical narratives like that of Eve's temptation ([21:08]). This characterization served to rationalize the societal expectation that women control their desires to align with religious and moral codes.

The influence of thinkers like Augustine further cemented these views. Augustine posited that "virginity is a greater good" than marriage, reinforcing the idea that celibate lives were morally superior. This attribution not only stigmatized female sexuality but also portrayed men as inherently more rational and capable of controlling their desires ([22:14]).

Court Cases and Personalities

Professor Karas shares intriguing insights from medieval court records, shedding light on how sexual misconduct and impotence were legally addressed. One notable case involves Eleanor Reichner, a trans sex worker in late 14th-century London. This case exemplifies the complexities of gender and sexuality during the period, though understanding such identities remains challenging due to the limited historical context.

Another fascinating discussion revolves around the legalities of marriage dissolution based on sexual incapacity. As Kate Lister humorously notes, "imagine your entry point into history is a court record where they called in a bunch of sex workers to try and help you get it up and you failed" ([29:23]). These records reveal the social mechanisms through which individuals could attempt to exit unwanted marriages by proving impotence, highlighting the societal pressures surrounding marital and sexual obligations.

Understanding of Biology: Menopause and Erection

The medieval understanding of human biology, particularly regarding menopause and male erections, is another focal point of the discussion. Professor Karas elucidates that post-reproductive sexual activity in marriage was deemed acceptable under the assumption that "God is all-powerful" and could render a woman fertile if He so desired ([26:48]). This belief underscores the intertwining of religious doctrine with physiological perceptions.

Regarding male erections, medieval Europe viewed them as "full of air"—akin to "pneumatic" rather than biological processes. This misconception influenced their understanding of impotence and fertility. For instance, if a man was unable to achieve an erection, it was often attributed to the woman's failure rather than any physiological issues on his part ([31:46]).

Sexual Diseases in the Middle Ages

Medieval attitudes towards sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) were intertwined with prevailing medical theories, particularly the humoral system. Diseases like gonorrhea were not understood through the lens of contagion but were instead seen as resulting from "overindulgence" in sexual activities ([35:32]). This lack of germ theory meant that descriptions of STIs were vague, often merely noting "discharges from the genital area" without a clear understanding of their causes or transmission methods.

Medieval Sex Work and Lavenders

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring medieval sex work. Professor Karas introduces the term "lavenders", derived from the Latin word for washing, referring to laundresses who were often associated with sex work. This association likely stemmed from their role in handling intimate and dirty garments, making them convenient figures for societal suspicion ([35:47]).

Furthermore, the term "spinster" emerged as a derogatory label for unmarried women, often implying that they resorted to sex work for financial independence. This stigmatization reflects the precarious position of women who lacked marital support and had to navigate societal prejudices to sustain themselves ([37:48]).

Pilgrimages and Sexual Symbolism

The episode also touches upon the intersection of religion and sexuality through the lens of pilgrimages. While modern representations often caricature medieval pilgrimages as hedonistic escapades, Professor Karas clarifies that "many people went for devotional reasons", though some may have sought the social and worldly opportunities these journeys presented ([45:25]). The use of anatomically themed badges at pilgrimage sites likely originated from later interpretations and market-driven souvenirs rather than authentic medieval practices.

Lessons from Medieval Sexual Attitudes

Concluding the discussion, Professor Karas emphasizes the fragility of societal progress regarding sexual attitudes. By examining medieval Europe, we observe how shifts in religious doctrine, societal norms, and individual behaviors can lead to "ups and downs" in the perception of sexuality and gender roles ([47:46]). This historical perspective serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need to remain vigilant against potential backlashes in contemporary movements toward sexual and gender equality.

Notable Quotes

• Professor Ruth Karas ([11:29]): "One thing that is relatively stable across that period is that all sex outside of marriage is bad."

• Professor Ruth Karas ([16:36]): "Marriage is good, reproduction is good, sex is good, sex is good when it's for reproduction."

• Kate Lister ([21:08]): "Why did people in the Middle Ages think that women were more highly sex than men?"

• Professor Ruth Karas ([22:21]): "Men were stronger, men were more rational, and therefore they were in a better position to control their desires."

• Professor Ruth Karas ([35:47]): "There was a strong connection between washers and sex workers."

• Professor Ruth Karas ([47:46]): "Any gains that we make in terms of attitudes towards women... are fragile because you can see how things in the Middle Ages... have ups and downs and changes."

Conclusion

Medieval Sex Myths offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding sexuality in medieval Europe. Through Professor Karas's expertise, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how intertwined religion, societal norms, and gender perceptions shaped the sexual landscape of the time. The episode underscores the enduring relevance of historical perspectives in informing contemporary discussions on sex, gender, and societal attitudes.

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